Hi All,

I saw this little no-name chronograph while doing my rounds this morning. Looking at the movement shot if looks like there may be some rust in there.

Anyone have any experience trying to restore a watch with rust/whatever that is damage? Any chance it will clean up?

Thanks,
Mike

 

Looks like most of the rust is on the movement, not from the movement.

 

I'm guessing that one will have a hard time ever becoming moisture proof to any extent. Also, which part of the watch has dissolved into rust particles? I wouldn't want to take the gamble!

 

Appreciate the input guys. So there is a chance it could be salvaged. If it goes cheap enough I'll make an offer but definitely going to be conservative hearing about the pains this could be

 

Rust can be removed, it depends on whether the watchmaker is willing to and knows how to do it. I used to do it regularly on bikes i serviced.

 

Removing the rust does not necessarily make the affected parts usable. No offense to user Bumper, but a watch movement and a bike are very different things. Watches rely on mirror smooth pivots of specific sizes and even light pitting or scoring can make the part useless. You can only polish pivots so much before they are too small, and cause other problems with excess side shake...wheels are tilted off axis, etc. We are talking about 100ths of a mm here making a big difference.

If the watch has a carbon steel balance spring, removing rust from that will be challenging, and will likely result in a balance spring that is weaker than it was before the rusting, which will cause problems certainly. Tolerances are tight, so simply removing the rust is less than 1/2 the battle I would say...and as dsio mentioned, sometimes they are just too far gone...





My gut feeling on the watch posted is that the movement may not be too bad, and the debris you see could be from when the case was opened - not much if any visible rust on the parts shown in that movement shot. Of course the dial side is another matter, because we have no idea what that looks like...

Cheers, Al

 

Why waste your time and money on a no name rusted chronograph ? I dont see it ever being collectable or have much value ? I would only collect and or put money in a vintage watch only if it is a somewhat famous brand, and has desirability !
Ive collected for 40 years.
Roland

 

Why do any of us waste our time for any watch? We have cell phones, clocks, etc. if we want to tell time. If the OP wants to take a leap on a project watch it is his decision. Personally if the price was right I would love to take the gamble. I would need to see the dial though.

 

I really like the dial which is why I am thinking of restoring it. I own many more expensive watches than this but this watch has everything I would want in a chronograph (nice bezel, attractive patina, good shape and size, cool name - skydiver). Just needs a lollipop second hand.

I also like that it's a little known brand.

 

That looks like a chrome case?

 

Looks like a nice watch, like the lugs, however the service could cost the same as the watch so only go for it if you are really keen would be my thoughts? However a similar Croton/Nivada/Gretchen would cost £2000+ but are more collectable. Is it a Valjoux movement ?

 

I do have a Clinton pocket watch, LOL

 

Valjoux 92

 

Should be ok to get parts then. Maybe wait till tomorrow before you bid as the brands popularity could go either way

 

Good point!

 

Certainly possible with help of a really good watchmaker. However it may take quite a lot of effort to make it perfect... therefore not sure if it's worth of it.

 

I'd try to restore that one too. Even minor brands need some love.

 

Found the same watch on instagram in much better condition. Just pulled the trigger. Really dig these watches. Hope someone gets the one on ebay!

 

I think it looks great - famous brand or not